Overview
Independent Highlights of Cambodia & Thailand
This Globus Independent tour through Cambodia and Thailand introduces you to the best of each country. Start in Siem Reap with visits to the magnificently preserved temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple—with some 200 faces carved into 54 towers. You’ll also visit the exquisite 10th-century Banteay Srei and Ta Prohm, where ancient jungle tree roots wind through the temple ruins. “Thailand” translates to “land of the free” and we think it’s about time that you free yourself from the typical to explore this fascinating destination with the free time you crave on a Globus Independent tour. Start your exploration with a boat ride through Bangkok’s canals, or klongs, to see family homes and temples—you’ll quickly see why they call this city “Venice of the East.” Next, visit Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, and the Grand Palace, which houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Lastly, stop at the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok, featuring one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. You’ll also have free time to explore more of Bangkok and other nearby attractions including Damnoen Saduak floating market and the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. In Chiang Rai, travel to the “Golden Triangle” where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, tour a local tea plantation, and explore Wat Rong Khun. You’ll also visit several interesting hill tribes and learn about their culture. In Chiang Mai, explore the most popular temples and visit an amazing elephant sanctuary to learn about the conservation efforts of orphaned and rescued elephants.
Highlights of Independent Highlights of Cambodia & Thailand
Travelers Notes
Special features included in this tour: • Guided visits to Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom • Visits to Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm, and a local school in Siem Reap • Boat ride through the klongs (canals) of Bangkok • Guided visits to Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and Temple of the Reclining Buddha • Longtail boat ride on the Kok River and visit to hill tribe villages in Chiang Rai • Tea plantation tour in Doi Mae Salong • Mekong River boat ride with visits to the Hall of Opium and Golden Triangle viewpoint • Guided visit to Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) • Guided sightseeing in Chiang Mai with guided tour of the Elephant Nature Park and visits to Wat Phra Singh and Wat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai
UNESCO Sites
Angkor Thom|Angkor Wat|Banteay Srei|Bayon Temple|Ta Prohm
Independent Tour
Venture further to enjoy the world your way without the group. The experts at Globus put Peace of Mind first in travel planning. We take care of the details with included hotel accommodations, daily breakfasts and select meals, guided sightseeing, and transportation between cities. Explore confidently, knowing your Globus Local Hosts and GlobusGO mobile app provide you with tips and recommendations to personalize your tour and see the world your way.
Product Group
Independent Highlights of Thailand
Notes
Meals
Breakfast daily; 4 lunches
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN SIEM REAP, CAMBODIAWelcome to Cambodia! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2
SIEM REAPToday, explore the temples of Angkor. Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, the temples are unmatched among the world’s ancient ruins. Your private guided sightseeing starts at the best preserved of all the temples—Angkor Wat, honoring the Hindu god, Vishnu. Next stop is Angkor Thom to see Bayon Temple. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, it features some 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers. Enjoy free time this evening. (B,L)INSIDER PICKS You may consider an Apsara dinner show featuring traditional Khmer music and dance or an exciting performance of Phare, The Cambodian Circus.
Day 3
SIEM REAPContinue exploring the Angkor temple complex on a private guided tour. Start at Banteay Srei, "Citadel of the Woman,” a unique, small temple outside the main complex built from red sandstone and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. On your return journey, stop at a local school to interact with the children. Then on to Ta Prohm, which has been left relatively untouched, unlike many other temples. Here, the jungle surrounds you, and tree roots grow over and through the ruins. The afternoon is at your leisure.(B)INSIDER PICKS Explore the temple complex further or take a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to see a floating village.
Day 4
SIEM REAP–BANGKOK, THAILANDToday, fly to Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city. (B)
Day 5
BANGKOKToday’s private guided tour starts with a boat ride through the klongs, Bangkok’s famous canals. Next, stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, whose 260-foot-tall spire has become identified with Bangkok. Continue to the Grand Palace, comprised of the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Lastly, visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha.(B,L)
Day 6
BANGKOKToday is free to explore this extraordinary city.INSIDER PICKS Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. You may consider a visit to Jim Thompson’s House, a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, or an excursion to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak floating market.(B)
Day 7
BANGKOK–CHIANG RAIToday, fly to Chiang Rai, gateway to Thailand’s Golden Triangle and hill tribe culture. (B)
Day 8
CHIANG RAIToday’s private guided tour starts with a traditional longtail boat ride on the Kok River.Enjoy breathtaking vistas as you journey to Doi Mae Salong to visit a tea plantation. Continue through the countryside to visit several fascinating hill tribes including the Yao, Lisu, and Akha, known for gorgeous headdresses decorated with silver coins. (B,L)
Day 9
CHIANG RAIDrive north to visit the Hall of Opium, built to educate people on the history of opium in the area and proactively address the illegal drug issues through multimedia interactive displays and exhibits.Stop at the Golden Triangle viewpoint, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. Here you’ll take a boat ride on the Mekong River. (B)INSIDER PICKS Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps visit Wat Rong Suea Ten, also known as the Blue Temple, or explore the fascinating night market.
Day 10
CHIANG RAI–CHIANG MAIStart your morning with a visit to the stunning Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. This unique masterpiece blends traditional Buddhist design with contemporary elements, a stark contrast to other temples in Thailand. Then, drive to Chiang Mai, known as the “Rose of the North.” (B)
Day 11
CHIANG MAIThis morning, travel out of the city to visit Elephant Nature Park, established in the 1990’s to provide a sanctuary for rescued and orphaned elephants. You will hear the personal stories of the elephants and see how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives. Watch these majestic animals thrive in the natural surroundings within the rehabilitation center. In addition to elephants, tree planting and providing a safe home for other rescue animals are continuous projects at the park.After lunch at the sanctuary, return to Chiang Mai. (B,L)
Day 12
CHIANG MAIToday, your private guided sightseeing tour takes you to the walled part of the city for the revered Buddha at Wat Phra Singh.You’ll also visit Wat Doi Suthep, a temple tucked away in the mountains. For the final ascent to the temple, you can take a tram car or walk up the Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, with more than 300 steps. (B)INSIDER PICKS Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps take in a Khantoke dance show with dinner, participate in a cooking class, or simply explore the night market and absorb the lively atmosphere.
Day 13
CHIANG MAIYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Borei Angkor Resort & Spa | Aptly named after 'a territory of Angkor' in Cambodian, Borei Angkor Resort & Spa is a truly Cambodian hotel set in the heart of Siem Reap with easy access to the Angkor Temple complex and only 5 minutes from Pub Street with shops and restaurants. The hotel features many amenities for a comfortable stay including an outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, restaurant, and bar. | Siem Reap | National Road 6, 0369, Bantay | Deluxe |
| 2 | Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok | Enter the cozy embrace of the Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok, a landmark in the bustling Silom sector of the city. This iconic hotel welcomes guests with an abundance of elegance, flair, and friendly Thai hospitality. Rooms combine timeless Thai style and contemporary design with art and high quality modern features. | Bangkok | 54 Surawong Road | Superior First-Class |
| 3 | Riverie by Katathani | The Dusit Island Resort is situated on its own island in the Mae Kok River, close to central Chiang Rai. Spectacular views of the river or the resort's tropical gardens are available from every guest room, which feature decor and furnishings that reflect the rich ethnic and cultural diversity of Northern Thailand. With world-class leisure facilities, the resort offers the ideal getaway for all types of travelers. | Chiang Rai | 1129 Kraisorasit Rd, Tambol Vieng | Superior First-Class |
| 4 | Ratilanna Riverside Spa Resort | This boutique resort has a great location close to the city center and captures the essence of the Lanna people with subtle architectural details and inspiring interior decor. | Chiang Mai | 33 Chang Klan Road | Superior First-Class |
